Fraud is a serious crime. Under Orange County law, those who are persecuted for fraud can face up to fines of up to $1,000 and imprisonment in state prison or county jail for up to one year (CPC 473). For those charged with a felony may find themselves in state prison up for 16 months to 3 years, and paying fines of up to $10,000.
According to Orange County law and legislation, Orange County Fraud is the attempt to make or pass a false document or signature as a real one with the intent to defraud another person (CPC 470).
For someone to be prosecuted for forging or passing a document, the state has to first prove that: (1) The accused signed someone else’s or a false name to a document; (2) The defendant did not have the authority to sign that name; (3) The defendant knew he/she did not have that authority; (4) When the accused did the act, he/she intended to defraud.
In the case of Orange County forgery of handwriting or seal, the state must prove that the accused forged or counterfeited the handwriting of another person on a document and that when the accused acted, he/she intended to defraud.
In the scenario that the defendant forged by altering or falsifying a will or other legal document, the state must prove: (1) The accused altered, corrupted or falsified a document; (2) The document was a legal writing that the law accepts as evidence; (3) When the accused modified the document, he/she intended to defraud.
With a combined of 30 years of experience, MacGregor & Collins will help you understand your rights. We will provide you great legal advice and go over the details to the case so that you’re with us every step of the way. We will help you make sense of the OC Fraud charges you face, and get you the best sentence possible for your case.
